The Personal Data Protection Service, based on the information spread in the media, has started investigating the confiscation of voters’ ID cards.
The Personal Data Protection Service, on the basis of information released by the media outlet Batumelebi, started looking into the allegations mentioned in the article regarding the processing of voters’ data.
“Not a single statement or appeal submitted within the competence of the service for the purpose of studying the legality of personal data processing during the election process was left without a response” The Personal Data Protection Service noted.
“In the election process, the protection of voters’ personal data is especially important, because the data related to a person’s political views belong to a special category and a higher standard applies to protecting them. Taking into account the parliamentary elections of 2024, the protection of personal data is one of the most relevant topics during the election period and, accordingly, it is an important priority of the Personal Data Protection Service.
“Based on the above, the Personal Data Protection Service, on the basis of information disseminated by the media outlet Batumelebi, began to study the fact indicated in the article published by the same media outlet regarding the processing of voters’ data. In addition, the service echoes the information made public through various sources, which will concern the facts of confiscation of identity documents for voters during the election period.
“It should be noted that the Personal Data Protection Service has a supervisory function – to control the implementation of the rules established by the Georgian Law “On Personal Data Protection” in Georgia, and law enforcement bodies will study and respond to criminal actions defined by the Criminal Code. In this case, since confiscation of identity documents for voters is probably an action provided for by the Criminal Code of Georgia, responding to it goes beyond the scope of the service’s competence and belongs to the function of law enforcement agencies.
“At the same time, we would like to inform the public that not a single application or appeal submitted within the competence of the service for the purpose of studying the legality of personal data processing during the election process was left without a response. Accordingly, the service is currently studying a number of facts of alleged violations of the rules established by the law of Georgia “on personal data protection” in the mentioned process.
“The processing of voters’ personal data in the election process requires special protection, and the organizations and entities involved in the mentioned process must evaluate and act taking into account the interests of the voters. The Personal Data Protection Service is actively monitoring the issues of protection of voters’ personal data during the election process and will respond accordingly in any case of illegal processing fact(s),” the statement said.
As the parliamentary elections are approaching, information is being spread by the media and opposition representatives that the voters’ identity cards are being taken away or their personal numbers are being obtained.
During the election period, such facts may be used to influence the will of the voters or prevent them from participating in the elections.
